1 Kings 10:12 Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.
When Solomon became King, he had a secret prayer request that he submitted to God. 1 Kings 3:9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people? The Lord was pleased that Solomon did not ask for long life, the life of his enemies or riches but he asked for discernment. Hence the Lord granted Solomon his request and more. King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth (1 Kings 10:23). People with a spirit of excellence will not go after temporary fame, fortune or favour but will pursue wise counsel, insightfulness and the value of their investments, efforts and time.
People forget how fast you do the job but never forget how good it was. The magnificent temple that stands in Jerusalem is not even half the lush and plush of the original structure that Solomon built. Excellence automatically attracts people, popularity and promotion. Solomon sought wisdom but he was also richest King in the world. His fame spread far and wide and accumulated wealth through international treaties. Queen Sheba came from Ethiopia (Modern day Yemen) which was about 1500 kilometres from Jerusalem and remarked, that the wisdom of Solomon was legendary! Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard (1 Kings 10:7).
Spirit of Excellence and priorities:
1. Priorities: People with a spirit of excellence prioritize their life. They don’t waste or spend their time, talent and treasures on the temporary and perishable worldly wealth or pleasure but invest it in acquiring wisdom, virtue and high calibre. Wealth follows the wise, the wise do not pursue wealth. As Solomon set his priorities, he was given innovative ideas, inventive thoughts and ingenious, inspiring and intuitive perspectives that human wisdom had never discovered before. 1 Kings 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore. Set your priorities right to become a person of excellent spirit.
2. Perspicacity: People with a spirit of excellence are clear, insightful and discerning in their focus, direction and relationships. Those who strive towards excellence will never waste their time and energy in unfruitful endeavours. Excellence and sloppiness are incongruent! Eagles don’t fly with chickens. Discern who you are associated with; Choose what you read, who you converse with, what you ponder about and focus your perspective towards excellence and extraordinary achievements to leave a legacy.
3. Poise: People with excellent spirit are poised in the midst of the pandemonium. Excellence does not react to pettiness, meanness or silliness. Excellence will not be affected by inferiority/superiority complex, compliments or commendation. People with excellent spirit will offer back their prize, promotion or praise, to God, before it becomes pride in their heart. People with an excellent spirit do not overreact, exaggerate or dramatize anything. They are calm, poised and poignant.
People with an excellent spirit align their priorities, perspective, poise and posture to move, grow and accelerate towards their desired destined vision.
1 Kings 4:29b So that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, please give me divine discernment and wisdom that surpasses human understanding; the perspicacity to say “no” to the unedifying distractions and choose wisdom, growth and Godliness. Amen
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